BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Council of
BC YaCHT CLUBS

Advocating for Recreational Boaters

About the Council of BC Yacht Clubs

In January 1956, the first meeting of interested boating clubs was held in Nanaimo. It was then formally registered as British Columbia Non Profit Society in January 1980 representing the interests of boaters from more than 50 British Columbia boating organizations. We have representation on Provincial and Federal committees to provide and receive information pertinent to our recreational interests, and collaborate with like-minded outdoor organizations in BC and Washington State.  In 1990, at the request of BC Parks, we formed B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society to assist in funding land purchases to be added to the Marine Park System. We meet four times per year, alternating between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Current Council Activities

Top Priorities

  • Gambier Island Official Community Plan
  • Southern Gulf Islands – Southeast Vancouver Island Advisory Group
  • Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan
  • Amendments to the Land Act

Search for news on these topics here:

Projects

The Council is working and supporting a variety of projects

… and more

Marine Parks Forever Society

The Marine Parks Forever Society is an all-volunteer registered non-profit founded by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs in 1990

We advocate for and financially support the creation, expansion or enhancement of BC Marine Parks.

We also execute special projects for boaters like the popular “stern-tie program”.

 

Recent Developments

  • Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities

    The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC published the Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities describing tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions andrelationship building with First Nations at the community level.

  • Sunshine Coast Dock Licences are Here

    By the Waterfront Protection Coalition – July 29, 2025 The Province has issued a Ministerial Order launching a new fast-tracked process for eligible grandfathered private moorage docks. Roughly 220 dock licence offers have been issued this week so check your email. Only dock owners who’ve self-registered their dock are eligible to receive a fast-track offer of a twenty-year…

  • PHARA challenges BC Reconciliation Law

    A petition has been filed by the Pender Harbour Area Residents Association (PHARA) in BC Supreme Court, challenging the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). For details see https://phara.ca/phara-challenges-bc-reconciliation-law/

  • Upcoming information sessions: shíshálh Nation – British Columbia Foundation Agreement and shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan

    shíshálh Nation and the Province recently renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement. Join B.C. representatives for a virtual information session to find out more about the agreement. Dates: March 20 and 31, 2025 Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Format: Zoom video conference Representatives from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of…

Boating News

  • MBYC Park Host Program – End of 2024 Season Report

    The Maple Bay Yacht Club has been volunteering as park hosts at Pirates Cove Marine Park since 1986 and in Conover Cover since 2009. The Park Host Coordinator Julie Scurr has summarized the interesting statistics and observations in the attached report.

  • 2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales

    2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada Southern Resident killer whales have important cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities in British Columbia. These iconic animals face imminent threats to their survival and recovery. Protecting them requires comprehensive and immediate action. The 3 primary…

  • BC Coastal Marine Strategy published

    The B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy establishes the province’s first shared vision for the B.C. coast. The strategy will guide our decisions over the next 20 years and help ensure we are prepared for the opportunities and risks that tomorrow may bring us.  The vision is for a coastal marine environment that supports:  The vision is supported by a suite of actions and…

  • Boating on Lake Okanagan

    The 2023 edition of the Sun Cruiser which is an excellent guide to boating on the lake.  Unfortunately, after publishing for many years, there are no new issues planned.  Hopefully this answers any questions people might have regarding places to moor on the Lake. See more details on the Resources page. Thanks to Michael Newcombe for…

Council News

 

Yacht Club Job Postings

Let us know if your Yacht Club has open positions – we are happy to post them here.

Council Meetings

Our next meeting is on 

Saturday, November 21, 2026/11:00 at the
West Vancouver Yacht club and via Zoom

Our meeting schedule for 2026 is

February  28, 2026          online via Zoom
May 16, 2026                   Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom
September 19, 2026       online via Zoom
November 21, 2026        West Vancouver Yacht Club and via Zoom

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